Top Museums in Miami

University of Miami

Loyal fans of the University of Miami's football team, the Hurricanes, flock to the Orange Bowl to cheer for the city's most promising athletes. Aside from the athletic realm, UM offers academic excellence at the undergraduate and graduate level. Established in 1925, the private university offers schools of medicine, law, music, marine studies, and more. The main campus is conveniently situated in Coral Gables, close enough to Coconut Grove for students to enjoy the nightlife.

Wings Over Miami Air Museum

Located at the Tamiami Airport west of downtown Miami, the Weeks Museum provides a peek at the fascinating history of aviation. Visitors can relive the events of World War II from a pilot's perspective while viewing a historic display of aircraft and aviation artifacts, including the B-59, AT-11 Kansan and the Grumman J2F-6 'Duck'. These magnificently maintained aircraft capture a piece of our country's history.

Latin American Art Museum

Founded in September of 1991, the Florida Museum of Hispanic & Latin American Art is the first and only one of its type. In addition to the collection, 11 exhibitions are scheduled throughout the year featuring artists of Hispanic and Latin origin, Brazilian and Haitian descent. A permanent collection of 300 works of contemporary art is housed in the museum, located in the heart of Miami's design district. The collection includes but is not limited to paintings, sculptures and ceramics. Admission is free. The museum is closed in August.

Lowe Art Museum

Located at the University of Miami, the Lowe Art Museum is the oldest accredited visual arts institution in Miami-Dade County. The permanent collection is comprised Renaissance, Baroque, Native American and pre-Colombian antiquities, and 20th Century contemporary art. Each year the museum presents six new exhibits and offers lectures, tours, and other educational opportunities, including the Beaux Arts Festival. Admission: Adults: USD7; Students, seniors, adult groups (over ten) USD5.

Midori Gallery Antiques

This gallery is made up of two separate rooms, both of which are filled to overflowing with fabulous Far Eastern art. Having spent 28 years in the Grove, Midori Gallery has more than established itself. Several different cultures are showcased: Japanese, Korean, Thai, and Chinese. Browse the gallery, giving yourself the time to admire the many works of art. You will find furniture, prints, screens, Chinese archaic ceramics, and Netsuke collectibles, and more.

The Gold Coast Railroad Museum

Get a closer look at one of the proudest innovations of American ingenuity—the railroad. Authentic Pullmans, engines, and dining cars are displayed along a half-mile of real track. The museum's most prized acquisition, however, is the Ferdinand Magellan, one of the most luxurious railroad cars in the United States. Built in the 1930's for President Franklin Roosevelt, the car has since been used by Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Reagan, and Bush. The Ferdinand Magellan was completely restored after being destroyed by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and is now available for public viewing at the museum. Do check the website for hours of operation.

The Wallflower Gallery

This remarkable downtown gallery, easily identified by the giant mural on its exterior, showcases work by those artists who struggle most including the new, the young, and the unknown. Exhibitions are as diverse and multifaceted as the artists who present them. Special events and productions (usually presented on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays) include poetry recitals, fashion shows, lectures, concerts, and classes.

Art Express

Established in 1974, Art Express and frame shop carries an extensive selection of museum-quality prints, posters, fine art, lithographs, serigraphs, sports memorabilia, mirrors, and limited editions. The shop offers an extensive inventory of frames and also caters to business needs, with photo-framing specialists on hand to assist you. A knowledgeable staff can help you select the right frame and matte to enhance treasured artwork.

MAC Miami Art Central

Miami Art Central (MAC) is a non profit organization, dedicated to the support of contemporary artists as well as visual and performing arts. Exhibitions, performances, film, video and educational events are organised frequently. Some of the artists who have shown their work are Sonia Abián, Carlos Piegari, Ibon Aranberri, Maja Bajević, James Coleman, Alice Creischer, Danica Dakić, Ines Doujak, Öyvind Fahlström and Harun Farocki.

Miami Children's Museum

This museum has what it takes to retain the attention of an 8-year-old. You will find children immersed in workshops, lecture series, plays and films. Kids can also join classes and clubs. This place addresses important issues, such as education, child care and safety, family health care and parenting.